With so many things you can do with technology today, there is almost no area in that cannot be covered by it. One of the most popular products of technology is the Mac OS. It is the operating system used for the apple products that many people are using today, from iPhone to iPad. What makes these products so popular is that they have many applications that are proven to be useful in everyday life, although not really all. One of the many applications that are proven useful especially for drivers and hikers is the mapping software for Mac. This software allows diver to find their way in areas they are not familiar with.
Mind mapping is a software category intended to help an organization's workers make sense out of complicated subjects. All you need is a few tips and tricks to help you maximize your research efficiency. Following are top three Mind Mapping Software Mac. Edraw Max Mind Map Tool (Windows/Mac/Linux) Free Download. Freeplane is a free and open source software application that supports thinking, sharing information and getting things done at work, in school and at home. The software can be used for mind mapping and analyzing the information contained in mind maps. Freeplane runs on any operating system that has a current version of Java installed. This mapping application combines the power of Google Maps mapping services with the strength of the Mac OS X application. EMaps makes the Google Maps more interactive, responsive and more fun to use with the familiar and intuitive interface elements. Another great mapping software for Mac included in the list of the best is the.
10. iMapBuilder Interactive Flash Map Builder
iMapBuilder is a 'what you see is what you get' Flash map building tool, the mapping tool is an all-in-one program that creates a professional Flash easily and quickly without any additional software or programming skills required of the user. The mapping software is designed users who are non-technical, Web-masters and or anybody else who wants to make their own professional Flash map but have no time to learn Flash programming or other mapping software.
9. MacGPS Pro
MacGPS Pro is a software for Mac designed for communicating with users GPS who are viewing your current position on moving digital maps and nautical charts. The images of the nautical charts and digital maps can be viewed without any GPS receiver used in real-time or connected as a moving-map display of the user's current position and speed. The software imports maps from a wide array of sources using the following formats: JPEG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, BMP, PICT, PDF, ECW and Photoshop (PSD). The mapping software also imports and manually calibrates the maps users have scanned themselves.
8. Mapwing Creator Pro
Mapwing Creator Pro is the mapping software professional's choice for making a virtual tour. With the software's flexible options and powerful tools, any user can build a large-scale tour containing high resolution photos and maps, custom branding, comments, and several types of hotspots. The created tours can be exported to a variety of formats including Flash from Adobe and shared cross-platform through the Web, email or disc.
7. RouteBuddy
RouteBuddy mapping software is a GPS application for Mac OS X. All the essential functions of the user's GPS is supported, all they ever need is a Mac, a GPs and RouteBuddy. The mapping software supports topographic and road maps and supports Garmin, USGlobalSat, NMEA and Tom Tom devices. With this mapping software users are able to navigate and find to a feature or address or any point of interest. Users can also create a route between locations and search map data with FastSearch.
6. eMaps
eMaps in an app for Mac that gives its users an easy access to Google Maps. The mapping software provides satellite and aerial photos, street maps, street level views, hybrid and terrain views of locations in different counties all over the world. This mapping application combines the power of Google Maps mapping services with the strength of the Mac OS X application. eMaps makes the Google Maps more interactive, responsive and more fun to use with the familiar and intuitive interface elements.
5. Ortelius
Another great mapping software for Mac included in the list of the best is the Ortelius. Ortelius is a feature packed and highly affordable vector drawing app great for cartography. Using this application, users can create custom map graphics, publications, and scaled plans for reports, presentations and websites. This software features special cartography tools that allow users to draw directly with great features such as roads, buildings, rivers, coastlines, contours and symbols. Ortelius also features support GIS-type attribute information which can be referenced by text labels. Almost everything can be drawn and positioned by simply dragging and dropping.
4. Google Earth 7.0.0 for Mac
Google Earth is perhaps one of the best when it comes to mapping applications. What's new? Google has added new features that make it a necessity for users whose topographic needs and wants are more serious. In addition to the Earth's cartography, users can also checkout the Google Ocean, historical Earth maps and the surface of earth's neighbors, Mars! Most of Google Earth's interface's real estate like displays are a rendering of the globe that can zoom in on a satellite image of the user's location and destination once they've keyed it in. The controls are located on the top tool bar and a left-side navigation window that allows users to quickly jump between different locations and views.
3. ABNavigator for Mac
ABNavigator is a mapping app for designed for easily obtaining driving directions from the user's location which is point A to the destination which is point B, using the information contained in the user's address book. The app is super easy to use; users can simply choose their starting point (From the address) and the destination (To the address). The app gets its directions from the map providers like Google Maps, Expedia, Maps.com, Yahoo! Local Maps, MapQuest and MSN Maps & Directions. After the users have chosen their starting and destination point, they can simple click the 'Get Directions' and the app will retrieve the route.
2. World Explorer for Mac
World Explorer is a mapping application for Mac that lets users enter any of the 350,000 locations contained in the database of the software and see images and read descriptions of the selected location. Working with Mac OS's geolocation capacity, users can also see what's near them. When it comes to installation, the application is easy and quick to install. The World Explorer's interface presents its users with a dialog box where they can enter the location, and then three panes below will show images, illustrated descriptions and the ratings of the nearby featured places.
1. MapQuest Sherlock Channel for Mac
The last but certainly not the least in our list of top 10 mapping software for Mac is AOL's MapQuest Sherlock Channel for Mac. This application is easy to install and use. The application simply displays a map with pan and zoom controls and can feature all locations from all countries around the globe. The app also features directions to the specified address for a much easier route search; however, the feature is only available in the U.S territories.
In our search for the best free mind mapping software tools, we looked for easy to use programs with a plenty of good options.
The software to create mind maps can be also called brain, concept, idea management or even brainstorming software. Available for Windows, Mac, Linux or online, they are great solutions to visually represent, analyze, and recall your ideas.
On this page, we collected 11 of the top free mind mapping makers that are:
- Freeware: on-premise solutions for free download
- Portable and online tools and apps
All of them can help you organize your personal or business concepts and ideas at no price. In addition, they can be great tools in the hands of the students.
1. Coggle
This is one of the most popular idea management software tools out there.
Actually, this is an online tool for exploring and sharing thoughts, brainstorming, making plans, visualizing ideas and doing it with others collaboratively.
This program allows you to create and share mind maps in an easy and fun way.
Coggle is not just a mind map maker. It is also a way of documenting with many applications in educational and business organizations, project teams, and many others.
Coggle comes with free and premium plans.
The free plan features include:
- 3 private diagrams
- Unlimited public diagram creation
- Full change history
- PDF & Image download
- Unconnected text boxes
- Over 1600 beautiful icons
- Unlimited image uploads
- Auto-arrange branches
- Shared folders and others
Website: https://coggle.it
2. MindMaster
MindMaster is a full-featured collaborative mind mapping and brainstorming tool.
Whether you need to work online or offline, any time and from anywhere with any device, MindMaster offers complete flexibility with a selection of apps available to download and to use directly.
It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and Web.
MindMaster provides both free and premium plans.
Key features and benefits:
- Stunning presentation
- Group & online real-time collaboration
- Project management & Gantt chart
- Knowledge Management
- Various Stickers & Cliparts
- Smart Layout
- Brainstorming mode
- Hyperlinks & Attachments&Notes
- Timeline & bubble & & fishbone & sector map
- Export to PDF, image, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MindManager and Evernote
Start your free mind map trip at https://www.mindmaster.io/
3. Mind42
This is absolutely free online mind mapping software that allows you to create mind maps and structured diagram to visually organize information.
Actually, Mind42 is not the most visually appealing, but it can be a very useful tool.
It is a free, fast and simple solution. And the best part is that it allows you to collaborate and share your mind maps with others.
Key benefits:
- Simple and fast
- You can easily create to-do lists, organize events, and brainstorm ideas.
- Completely free mind mapping software tool.
- You can share your mind maps with others.
Website: https://mind42.com/
4. FreeMind
This premier open source and free mind mapping software written in Java, can run on a broad range of platforms – Windows, Mac, Linux.
FreeMind is a surprisingly powerful mind-mapping program that will allow you to plan projects, revising for student exams, organize personal and business concepts.
You might think FreeMind has some kind of outdated interface. But don't let the appearance fool you. This tool is very easy-to-use and incredibly functional.
Key benefits and features:
- Fully functional following of HTML links stored in the nodes.
- Fast one-click navigation, including folding.
- Smart Drag and Drop.
- Export of map to HTML, with folding.
- Possibility to use and edit long multiline nodes and to decorate nodes with built-in icons, colors and different fonts.
- Low costs of risk of switching away.
- You can link to files elsewhere on your PC.
- A portable mind mapping version.
Website: http://freemind.sourceforge.net
5. XMind
We can not talk about best free mind map makers without mentioning XMind.
Millions of people work XMind because of its usability, friendly interface, and great features. Actually, this is the most popular professional mind and idea management tool.
XMind 8 is an integrated open-source platform that comes with freeware and paid extensions for the leading operating systems – Windows, Apple OS X, and Linux and also has a portable version.
Besides the basic Mind Map structure, XMind also offers Org-chart, Tree-chart, Logic-chart, etc. and all of these charts can be used within one map!
XMind Free plan includes:
- All kinds of diagrams
- Sync to XMind Cloud
Website: http://www.xmind.net/
6. WiseMapping
WiseMapping is for those who need simple online mind mapping apps for personal, business or education needs.
This open source tool helps you to quickly create a map of your ideas, to add additional content and share your maps with others.
Currently, WiseMapping is only available as an online solution. Despite that, WiseMapping is planning on releasing integrated iOS and Android support.
It is absolutely free software without any restrictions!
Key benefits and features:
- Web-based tool – you don't have to install it on your computer.
- For personal, business and student needs – you can use it internally in your company or school.
- Collaborative – share your maps with your friends or team members.
- You can embed your mind maps in any webpage. No plugins needed.
- Import/Export from/to FreeMind
Website: http://www.wisemapping.com/
7. MindMup
This is a remarkable online, free mind mapping software program. Setup is very simple and the cloud storage features are effortless to use.
This tool allows you to create, share and publish mind maps, hassle-free in no time.
You are able to create unlimited mind maps at no price, and store them in the cloud.
In addition, you can create presentations, brainstorm, and document outlines with mind maps. Free project management software for mac. Finally, you can publish your ideas online and to social networks.
MindMup comes with free and premium but affordable plans.
The free plan includes:
- Unlimited number of maps.
- Save maps up to 100 KB to MindMup storage, for up to six months.
- No account/login required.
- Save larger maps to Google Drive.
- Export maps up to 100 KB.
- Publish maps for up to six months.
- Community chat help and support.
Website: https://www.mindmup.com/
8. ThinkComposer
If you are a professional, student or just a creative person, who is searching for best free mind mapping software for Windows, this tool can be your solution.
Thinkcomposer is a comprehensive visual tool that allows you to create concept maps, flowcharts, models and other kinds of diagrams immediately after installation.
All of them can help you organize your personal or business concepts and ideas at no price. In addition, they can be great tools in the hands of the students.
1. Coggle
This is one of the most popular idea management software tools out there.
Actually, this is an online tool for exploring and sharing thoughts, brainstorming, making plans, visualizing ideas and doing it with others collaboratively.
This program allows you to create and share mind maps in an easy and fun way.
Coggle is not just a mind map maker. It is also a way of documenting with many applications in educational and business organizations, project teams, and many others.
Coggle comes with free and premium plans.
The free plan features include:
- 3 private diagrams
- Unlimited public diagram creation
- Full change history
- PDF & Image download
- Unconnected text boxes
- Over 1600 beautiful icons
- Unlimited image uploads
- Auto-arrange branches
- Shared folders and others
Website: https://coggle.it
2. MindMaster
MindMaster is a full-featured collaborative mind mapping and brainstorming tool.
Whether you need to work online or offline, any time and from anywhere with any device, MindMaster offers complete flexibility with a selection of apps available to download and to use directly.
It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and Web.
MindMaster provides both free and premium plans.
Key features and benefits:
- Stunning presentation
- Group & online real-time collaboration
- Project management & Gantt chart
- Knowledge Management
- Various Stickers & Cliparts
- Smart Layout
- Brainstorming mode
- Hyperlinks & Attachments&Notes
- Timeline & bubble & & fishbone & sector map
- Export to PDF, image, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MindManager and Evernote
Start your free mind map trip at https://www.mindmaster.io/
3. Mind42
This is absolutely free online mind mapping software that allows you to create mind maps and structured diagram to visually organize information.
Actually, Mind42 is not the most visually appealing, but it can be a very useful tool.
It is a free, fast and simple solution. And the best part is that it allows you to collaborate and share your mind maps with others.
Key benefits:
- Simple and fast
- You can easily create to-do lists, organize events, and brainstorm ideas.
- Completely free mind mapping software tool.
- You can share your mind maps with others.
Website: https://mind42.com/
4. FreeMind
This premier open source and free mind mapping software written in Java, can run on a broad range of platforms – Windows, Mac, Linux.
FreeMind is a surprisingly powerful mind-mapping program that will allow you to plan projects, revising for student exams, organize personal and business concepts.
You might think FreeMind has some kind of outdated interface. But don't let the appearance fool you. This tool is very easy-to-use and incredibly functional.
Key benefits and features:
- Fully functional following of HTML links stored in the nodes.
- Fast one-click navigation, including folding.
- Smart Drag and Drop.
- Export of map to HTML, with folding.
- Possibility to use and edit long multiline nodes and to decorate nodes with built-in icons, colors and different fonts.
- Low costs of risk of switching away.
- You can link to files elsewhere on your PC.
- A portable mind mapping version.
Website: http://freemind.sourceforge.net
5. XMind
We can not talk about best free mind map makers without mentioning XMind.
Millions of people work XMind because of its usability, friendly interface, and great features. Actually, this is the most popular professional mind and idea management tool.
XMind 8 is an integrated open-source platform that comes with freeware and paid extensions for the leading operating systems – Windows, Apple OS X, and Linux and also has a portable version.
Besides the basic Mind Map structure, XMind also offers Org-chart, Tree-chart, Logic-chart, etc. and all of these charts can be used within one map!
XMind Free plan includes:
- All kinds of diagrams
- Sync to XMind Cloud
Website: http://www.xmind.net/
6. WiseMapping
WiseMapping is for those who need simple online mind mapping apps for personal, business or education needs.
This open source tool helps you to quickly create a map of your ideas, to add additional content and share your maps with others.
Currently, WiseMapping is only available as an online solution. Despite that, WiseMapping is planning on releasing integrated iOS and Android support.
It is absolutely free software without any restrictions!
Key benefits and features:
- Web-based tool – you don't have to install it on your computer.
- For personal, business and student needs – you can use it internally in your company or school.
- Collaborative – share your maps with your friends or team members.
- You can embed your mind maps in any webpage. No plugins needed.
- Import/Export from/to FreeMind
Website: http://www.wisemapping.com/
7. MindMup
This is a remarkable online, free mind mapping software program. Setup is very simple and the cloud storage features are effortless to use.
This tool allows you to create, share and publish mind maps, hassle-free in no time.
You are able to create unlimited mind maps at no price, and store them in the cloud.
In addition, you can create presentations, brainstorm, and document outlines with mind maps. Free project management software for mac. Finally, you can publish your ideas online and to social networks.
MindMup comes with free and premium but affordable plans.
The free plan includes:
- Unlimited number of maps.
- Save maps up to 100 KB to MindMup storage, for up to six months.
- No account/login required.
- Save larger maps to Google Drive.
- Export maps up to 100 KB.
- Publish maps for up to six months.
- Community chat help and support.
Website: https://www.mindmup.com/
8. ThinkComposer
If you are a professional, student or just a creative person, who is searching for best free mind mapping software for Windows, this tool can be your solution.
Thinkcomposer is a comprehensive visual tool that allows you to create concept maps, flowcharts, models and other kinds of diagrams immediately after installation.
It is an open source solution, so you can also share, modify or extend ThinkComposer as needed!
Key features and benefits:
- Help your mind to organize and visualize complex thoughts.
- Presentation tool that helps you to clearly present your ideas.
- Semantic Mapping Define graphic and semantic elements for your specialized domain.
- Open source and free download for Windows.
- Generate complete Reports from your Compositions.
- Predefined templates, custom file/code generation, and version updates.
Website: http://www.instrumind.com/
Best Free Mind Mapping Software 2018 For Mac Os
9. Docear
Docear is a good solution to academic literature management. This tool is for creating, organizing, and discovering academic literature.
What makes Docear unique is its integration of mind maps. With Docear you can create new mind maps at any time to draft your own academic literature.
You have all the features you can expect from a mind mapping software and that comes in handy when drafting documents. You may insert pictures, add formulas (LaTeX), format nodes (with HTML if you like), create additional notes, and so on….
Docear is entirely freeware, instantly to download for Windows, MacOS or Linux.
Key features and benefits:
- Unique concept for organizing literature.
- Multi-Language.
- Open Source (GPL).
- Powerful mind mapping.
- Open data formats such as PDF, XML, and BibTeX
- Mobile version
- Real-time Collaboration
- Synchronization between different devices
Website: http://www.docear.org
10. Lucidchart Version for Students and Educators
I am sure you have heard of Lucidchart before. No doubt, it is one of the best paid and free mind mapping software tools out there.
And the good news for the students and teachers are that Lucidchart is absolutely free for them. For the others – it is a paid solution.
Lucidchart combines ease of use with robust functionality. It is a great solution for all students: from those in elementary school to those in advanced engineering courses.
You can simply start from scratch to create your mind maps, or you can pick from their range of templates.
Key features and benefits:
- Compatible OS: PC, Mac, Linux, Chromebook.
- Shape libraries: Advanced (iOS, Android, wireframes, timelines, mind maps).
- Lucidchart runs in the cloud.
- Collaborative – teachers can teach their students with the power of teamwork.
- Fully integrated.
- Clean, straightforward editor that is intuitive for students of all ages.
- Easy to share.
Website: https://www.lucidchart.com
11. Freeplane
And last but not least on our list of the best free mind mapping software tools is Freeplane.
It is not only idea and mind mapping but also a whole knowledge management software.
Freeplane is a freeware and an open source software app that supports thinking, concept creation, sharing information and getting things done at the office, in school, and at home.
Best Free Mind Map Mac
Freeplane runs on any operating system (Windows, Linux, Mac) that has a current version of Java installed. It is also a portable mind mapping tool that can be run from removable storage like a USB drive.
Key features and benefits:
- Easy and speedy tool with a simple interface.
- Freeplane is intended for non-programmers. However, the project offers potential programmers a versatile scripting language.
- Supports add-ons
- A lot of features to make almost any type of map you want.
- Password protection.
- Searchable node lists.
Website: https://www.freeplane.org
Want more free mind mapping software tools?
Here is a list of some other good programs:
- TheBrain – impressive freeware mind mapping program. They have a Free Edition (free download for Windows) and Pro Versions. Also available for iOS and Android.
- Dia Diagram Editor – an open source program to draw structured diagrams.
- View Your Mind – is licensed under GNU GPL tool to create and edit maps which show your thoughts.
- Manage My Ideas – a simple web application for keeping track of your ideas.
- Innovation Cloud Startup – free, easy to use idea management software for business startups or small teams.
- Visual Understanding Environment (VUE) – an Open Source project based at Tufts University.
If you are a fan of free solutions, then our posts: best freeware document management software and freeware database software, can be of use for you.
What are your thoughts and suggestions? Which software to create mind maps do you recommend?
